Complete Streets - Part 2

Complete Streets is about making our transportation networks friendly to different types of transportation.  It's also about making our transportation networks complete - rather than disjointed and disconnected. 

I hit on that a bit in a previous post (Complete Streets Part 1).  From bikes to pedestrians to motorcycles to buses, people get around all sorts of ways.  The method they select depends on a number of factors, but the ability to get to their destination is at, or near, the top. 

The past 50 years of our growth strategies have focused on automobiles – and focused on growing outward (sprawl).  Our land development patterns have forced people to use a car instead of other modes of transportation - and limited the use of them as alternative transportation types, instead relegating biking and walking to leisure activities.  This is inefficient and unhealthy.  It is also cost-prohibitive.  The more roads we have to lay, the more maintenance costs we are adding.  As we look to update our city's comprehensive plan (last done in 2003), we should take a serious look at our land-use and zoning as it relates to expansion and outward growth.  I’ve discussed at length my concerns about our existing infrastructure maintenance cost issues in other blog posts and at candidate forums. 

We need to approach every new road project with caution and evaluate them using with questions like:

• Will be it useable by all modes of transportation?
• Is it realistic that people would utilize different modes of transportation?
• Is it part of a larger transportation network that actually allows people to get from point A to B to C and so on?
• Will this new development be part of the existing public transportation system network?
• How will we pay for the maintenance of the new infrastructure? 

It is one thing to create a new commercial development that is bike and pedestrian friendly.  It's completely another if it's not connected to anything.  Additionally, if it is not on an existing bus route, is it cost-effective to provide bus service to the addition - and who should pay for it?

We should also be doing the same thing when we are replacing existing roadways and evaluating our options for making our existing transportation network complete.  To this extent, the Planning Commission recently approved providing funding to a Lake Wobegon Trail funding study.  The goal is to connect the Lake Wobegon trail with the Beaver Island trail.  It would also create a east-west route across a good portion of St. Cloud.  Trails like these need to be thought of and planned as alternative transportation routes in addition to recreation.  But trails are only part of the solution and should always be evaluated on feasibility - including cost.  Making roads more bike-friendly by providing adequate room for bikes and cars is essential as well as ensuring those are connected and that people, regardless of if they are in a car or on a bike, can get to where they want to go.  Equally important are safe sidewalks - and placing sidewalks in locations where they're needed.  It's not about spending more money, but spending money wisely.

The key to successfully implementing Complete Streets is recognizing that we're never done.  We can always be looking at ways to improve transportation options.  It requires the support of elected officials and, more importantly, the residents.  By being strong advocates for it now, we can make improvements and plan for the future.  This will enhance our quality of life and begin to shape our planning and growth strategies for the next 50 years.   

Like every issue, I welcome your feedback and comments.